Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College (OCtech)

About
Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College, located in Orangeburg, North Carolina, was founded in 1968 as the 11 technical center opened in the state to curb the departure of young workers and to invigorate the economy by creating training facilities throughout the state to encourage investment.

Over the years the role of the school grew, first in 1974 when the school became a technical college, followed by the continual expansion of resources and buildings to provide students with modern facilities from which to learn.

In 1996 the school implemented its distance learning program. The school is currently implementing five year strategic plans to further the school's ability to train and educate its community.  The school continues to expand to this day, with several facilities in construction.

Academics
As a technical college, Orangeburg-Calhoun offers students a large number of technical and vocational programs geared at career development and job placement. Technical and vocational programs prepare students for entry into the workforce by providing training in the skills and abilities necessary to operate as professionals in the workplace. These programs are comprehensive and allow students to obtain entry level positions upon graduation.

As part of the school's evolving educational offerings, it also offers academic transfer programs to four year institutions, allowing students to complete the first two years of a four year education. Programs offered will result in either an associates degree or certificate.

Programs offered include:

• Nursing
• Computer Aided Design
• Physical Therapist Assistant
• Accounting
• Medical Office Assistant

Non-credit courses are also available for individuals simply pursuing personal interests. These courses do not require full admission, and may be registered for with ease, and at a relatively lower cost than credit courses.

Admissions and Financial Aid
As an open enrollment institution, Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College accepts all students that meet the minimal requirements for entry. Students may apply online through the school's internal system and must submit transcripts from high school or other colleges as well. Students may be required to take a placement exam prior to registration. Tuition fees will be calculated and due shortly after registration.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships. Students in need of financial aid must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in a timely manner. The student aid report the school receives after the FAFSA has been submitted is used to determine need, eligibility and awards.

Additional financial information may be requested by the school prior to the disbursement of funds to ensure informational accuracy. External scholarships may also be available, often requiring a separate application and awarded for purposes as outlined by the scholarships mission.

Estimated Costs & Financial Aid

The average "out of pocket" cost of attendance, after any grants and scholarships are considered, is around $7,900. In order to calculate a more accurate and detailed cost of attendance check out their cost calculator here. The figures listed below are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future tuition, fees, and expenses.

Tuition & Fees Information

• Annual tuition range:
  • State Residents: $4,000-$4,800
  • Out-of-State: $6,700-$8,035
• Part-time students are charged:
  • State Residents: $170-$200 per credit unit
  • Nonresidents: $280-$330 per credit unit

Financial Aid Details

The table below breaks down the types of financial aid, the percent of students receiving aid, and average amount of aid per student per year.

	Percent of Students	Average Amount
Any Financial Aid	97%	-
Receiving Grants & Scholarships	96%	$5,684
Receiving Student Loans	26%	$3,635

Admissions, Academics, & Student Services

Student Services

To help support students, Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College may offer student services like:

• Online classes
• Weekend and night classes available
• Remedial courses
• Counseling assistance
• Employing students to lower education costs
• Assistance to find work

Graduation & Transfer Rates

Community colleges often offer both career training programs and options for students to transfer-out to four year institutions, which is why the table below is so important, it compares this school against community colleges in South Carolina.

	OCtech	Orangeburg County	South Carolina
Graduation Rate	10.2%	-	12.0%
Transfer-out Rate	10.9%	-	17.6%

Specialized Programs & Accreditations

• Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) Program
  • Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. ? May 6, 2013 Formerly: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (since 1987)
  • See a list of all associate's degree in nursing (ADN) programs in South Carolina
• Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Program
  • Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. ? May 6, 2013 Formerly: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (since 1990)
• Radiology Technician Program
  • Accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (since 1979)

Other Community Colleges Nearby

The list of nearby schools has been selected by researching which schools offer similar programs to Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College.

• Denmark Technical College in Denmark, SC (24 miles away)
• Midlands Technical College in West Columbia, SC (32 miles away)
• Central Carolina Technical College in Sumter, SC (38 miles away)
• Aiken Technical College in Graniteville, SC (55 miles away)
• Williamsburg Technical College in Kingstree, SC (59 miles away)